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Posted by
Ian Clarke,
June 5, 2011 |
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The 2011 Gold Cup is now underway as CONCACAF’s premier tournament is in the cycle where supporters of the game will see the best players from each nation taking the pitch.
What is now becoming the tradition for the tournament is the year leading into the start of World Cup Qualifying has the top talent on display. The 2011 edition of the Gold Cup follows this trend as all of the region’s strongest players have been called up to their national sides.
While the end of the competition brings the announcement of the best XI from the three weeks, below are a list of players to watch at the start of this year’s Gold Cup. A mix of veterans and youth, this may not be the strongest starting XI at the end of June, but at the start of the month these are the best CONCACAF has to offer.
Here is RedNation Online’s CONCACAF starting eleven to watch heading into the 2011 Gold Cup:
ATTACKERS
Javier Hernandez, Mexico, Manchester United
Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica, FC Twente
What a year it has been for Javier Hernandez, whose name is now up there with the likes of Rafael Marquez and Dwight Yorke, in terms of recognizable, high profile CONCACAF players who have competed in Europe. Hernandez comes into this year’s Gold Cup having already scored three goal in three appearances for Mexico, and notched a hat-trick in the opener against El Salvador. In the span of a year has emerged as one of, if not the, best player in the region.
Bryan Ruiz has yet to translate his club success into international results, but this has more to do with him raising the level of his game over the last two years and this being the first full tournament he’s been able to participate in his current form. 2010 saw him net 24 goals for his Dutch side, as his prowess was what helped them win their first Eredivisie title and what spurred Twente to part ways with their all-time leading scorer Blaise Nkufo. His scoring rate did not hold up in 2011, but at only 25-years of age is still in his prime and despite not starting in the opener against Cuba, will still be a player to watch as the tournament progresses.
On the bench: Joze Alditore – United States, Alvario Saborrio – Costa Rica
MIDFIELDERS
Josh Simpson, Canada, Manisaspor
Landon Donovan, United States, LA Galaxy
Atiba Hutchinson, Canada, PSV Eindoven
Wilson Palacios, Honduras, Tottenham Hotspur
Josh Simpson has risen to become arguably Canada’s most skilled and reliable attacker, consistently being able to go man for man against any their competition leading up to the Gold Cup – specifically Ukraine, Greece and Ecuador. His season with Manisaspor in Turkey saw him recognized as one of the best left sided attackers in the Super Liga and rumours are always swirling around him about a move to one of the bigger clubs in Istanbul.
Landon Donovan needs no introduction and his achievements at both for club and country are well known. Few MLS players have been able to go in on loan in the top leagues in Europe, specifically and most recently with Everton in England, and become a key player in their attack. Donovan has been stalwart for the United States in providing leadership and goals and has proven himself on the biggest stage in the World.
Atiba Hutchinson, the 2010 Danish Super Liga player of the year, and voted by some as PSV’s 2011 player of the year, quietly goes about his business and puts in consistent, professional appearances every time he steps on the pitch. Has become Canada’s key player in the midfield and will need to put forth a tournament like 2007 to help take Canada to the finals for the first time in over ten years.
Wilson Palacios has been a solid midfielder in England for the past five years, steadily moving up the table to where his now at Tottenham Hotsupur, with rumours linking him to Napoli of Italy’s Serie A. A key player in their midfield, Palacios saw limited time this season and continues to struggle with a knee injury. His fitness will be determined at the last minute, but should he be ready to go, will greatly improve Honduras’ chances in progressing through the tournament.
On the bench: Clint Dempsy – United States, Christian Bolanos – Costa Rica, Andres Guardado – Mexico, Hendry Thomas – Honduras
DEFENDERS
Emilio Izaguirre, Honduras, Celtic
Rafael Marquez, Mexico, New York Red Bulls
Felipe Baloy, Panama, Santos Laguna
Ricardo Osorio, Mexico, Monterrey
Emilio Izaguirre’s first season in Scotland has earned him a litany of awards: SPL Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, Celtic Players’ Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year. Last year at this time he would be preparing to face Toronto FC at BMO Field representing Motagua, not even a year later he’s linked with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle. For both club and country, Izaguirre has become an essential part of the back line and attack. There is no doubt that in coming years he could become one of the best left-backs in football.
Rafael Marquez is easily the most experienced player in this year’s tournament. One of a handful of Mexican players to make a huge impact overseas, first with Monaco then with Barcelona, the New York Red Bulls centre-back still can compete at the international level and contribute to his country.
Like Marquez, Panama’s Felipe Baloy is one of his country’s most experienced players having spent roughly half his career in South America before settling for the last five years in Mexico’s top flight. A long time international for his country, and two time CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI, the Panamanian centre-back will be captaining an underrated side through this year’s tournament.
Like Rafa Marquez, Ricardo Osorio is one of a small handful of Mexican players to ever have lifted a major European trophy, which he did with Stuttgart in 2006/07 winning the Bundesliga title. A key part of Monterrey’s CONCACAF Champion’s League title, Osorio has proven he is still at the top of his game for both his nation and domestic club.
On the bench: Carlos Salcido – Mexico, Oguchi Onyewu – United States, Carlos Bocanegra – United States
GOALKEEPER
Tim Howard, United States, Everton
While the United States do not have the best set of defenders, they have a generation of keepers who have been able to compete at the top levels of football. Tim Howard cut his teeth in MLS, then with Manchester United before becoming the rock between the sticks for Everton. Took over from Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel and there looks to be no legitimate competition for his position as Howard is in top form with invaluable experience at the top levels of the game.
On the bench: Donovan Ricketts – Jamaica, Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico
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